The focus of the Zünd exhibit at FachPack 2018, September 25 - 27 in Nuremberg, Germany, is on modular automation in digital cutting. The leading supplier of digital cutting systems will present, among other things, a new automation solution for fully integrated industrial finishing.

The versatility of Zünd's finishing solutions provides numerous options for sustainable productivity increases with minimal demands in personnel. The product offering for finishing includes an automatic tool changer, collaborative robotic material handling, and production lines with fully automated loading/stacking systems. In Nuremberg (Hall 7A, Booth 628), Zünd introduces a brand-new development in automated material handling designed specifically for industrial applications. With a maximum stack height of 1.5 m (5 ft), the system offers longer continuous production time and helps make high-volume finishing even more efficient and profitable. To illustrate high-throughput processing of corrugated board and foam even without automated material-handling, Zünd has a G3 cutting system on display configured for tandem operation. The tandem setup enables a continuous production workflow in which loading and processing occur at the same time. In addition, the cutter is equipped with an RML high-performance router and automated tool changer ARC. The latter holds up to 8 different bits, which greatly facilitates jobs requiring multiple bit types and sizes. The operator never loses track of the tooling and can reduce the time spent in changeovers to a minimum for optimal use of the cutting system.

Roman Hasler, Segment Manager Packaging, explains: «Packaging providers are forced to produce under permanent time and margin pressures. With our modular cutting and material-handling solutions, we can meet individual needs for automation and assist our customers in making their digital finishing operations even more efficient and profitable». For example, with collaborative robot technology. Zünd demonstrates a possible application with a robotic device from Universal Robots. The robotic arm picks cut pieces off a Zünd S3 cutter and places them in predefined spots.

Intelligent production planning, control, and monitoring are critical for creating productive finishing workflows. The software suite Zünd Cut Center ZCC provides a virtual control center for fully integrated digital finishing. With new features such as high-speed registration methods, even simpler production planning, and a dashboard for easy monitoring of Zünd cutter performance, ZCC Version 3 offers unprecedented flexibility and even more user-friendly operation.

The survey also concludes that high quality and sustainability characteristics are becoming more and more important as selection criteria. Converters also have high expectations on properties such as printability, runnability in the conversion process, and folding properties – all of which both Invercote and Incada achieve with ease.

Iggesund and Stora Enso are perceived as leading the paperboard market with regard to sustainability, even though the majority of the respondents do not see any clear leader within the industry. 

“The converters’ opinion, not least the fact that they single out runnability and product quality, reinforces our view that we are heading in the right direction. Their appreciation of our sustainability work is also important and a strong argument in favour of our products,” Nysten concludes.

Europe’s most valuable paperboard brands according to the survey: 

1.      Invercote (Iggesund)

2.      Incada (Iggesund)

3.      Tambrite (Stora Enso)

4.      Ensocoat (Stora Enso)

5.      Performa (Stora Enso)

6.      BillerudKorsnäs (BillerudKorsnäs)

7.      CKB (Stora Enso) NEW 2018

8.      MetsäBoard Pro (Metsä Board) NEW 2018

9.       Alaska Plus (International Paper)

10.  MetsäBoard Classic (Metsä Board) NEW 2018

11.  MetsäBoard Prime (Metsä Board) NEW 2018

Caption 1: The Origin Box is made of three kinds of paper material, of which two, Invercote and Incada, are made by Iggesund Paperboard. Converter was Du Caju Printing & Packaging, Belgium.

Caption 2: “The converters’ opinion, not least the fact that they single out runnability and product quality, reinforces our view that we are heading in the right direction with both Invercote and Incada,” says Kenneth Nysten, Iggesund Paperboard.

Iggesund

Iggesund Paperboard is part of the Swedish forest industry group Holmen, one of the world’s 100 most sustainable companies listed on the United Nations Global Compact Index. Iggesund’s turnover is just over €500 million and its flagship product Invercote is sold in more than 100 countries. The company has two brand families, Invercote and Incada, both positioned at the high end of their respective segments. Since 2010 Iggesund has invested more than €380 million to increase its energy efficiency and reduce the fossil emissions from its production.

Iggesund and the Holmen Group report all their fossil carbon emissions to the Carbon Disclosure Project. The environmental data form an integral part of an annual report that complies with the Global Reporting Initiative’s highest level of sustainability reporting. Iggesund was founded as an iron mill in 1685, but has been making paperboard for more than 50 years. The two mills, in northern Sweden and northern England employ 1500 people.

With the X20SM1436-1 module, B&R has added to its portfolio a new X20 module for direct control of stepper motors. The module can be used to operate stepper motors with operating voltages from 18 to 60 VDC at rated currents up to 2.5 A. In addition, the integrated current reduction function increases performance and reduces energy consumption.

With the current reduction function, B&R has integrated sensorless, load-dependent current control, which significantly increases the performance of the module. By regulating the current downwards depending on the operating situation and load, the module allows energy savings of up to 75 percent.

Smoother operation 
The current reduction function also significantly reduces power dissipation and heat accumulation in the module. At the same time, current control also results in the stepper motor running more smoothly. For self-protection, the stepper motor module has an inrush current limiter and a motor outlet with short circuit and overload protection. 
  
Digital inputs with open circuit monitoring
The module has four digital 24 VDC inputs. Three of them can be configured as ABR encoder inputs with a counter frequency of 50 kHz for 4x evaluation. In addition, all digital inputs have open circuit monitoring, which increases operational security. To detect slippage, the module has been equipped with stall detection

About B&R

B&R is an innovative automation company with headquarters in Austria and offices all around the world. On July 6, 2017, B&R became a business unit of the ABB Group. As a global leader in industrial automation, B&R combines state-of-the-art technology with advanced engineering to provide customers in virtually every industry with complete solutions for machine and factory automation, motion control, HMI and integrated safety technology. With Industrial IoT communication standards like OPC UA, POWERLINK and openSAFETY as well as the powerful Automation Studio software development environment, B&R is constantly redefining the future of automation engineering. The innovative spirit that keeps B&R at the forefront of industrial automation is driven by a commitment to simplifying processes and exceeding customer expectations.

openSAFETY bus protocol takes advantage of UDP 

The openSAFETY safety bus protocol can now be transmitted via UDP using the black channel principle. This facilitates the use of wireless transmission technologies for safety communication. openSAFETY can be configured flexibly, making it particularly well suited for wireless data transmission. 

One application of wireless transmission for safety data is to communicate between fixed base stations and moving system components. This principle is used in warehouse logistics and baggage transport systems, for example. The user can configure openSAFETY with latencies of up to 2.5 seconds. This prevents low bandwidth or brief transmission interruptions from triggering unwanted safety reactions or stopping the ma-chine.

Safe self-driving units
Wireless safety communication allows self-driving units to switch safety zones without interruption. The tran-sition from one zone to the next is seamless. This means that the units can be used flexibly and are always safe within the network. To provide comprehensive diagnostics, openSAFETY also has error counters and other diagnostic functions. 

About B&R

B&R is an innovative automation company with headquarters in Austria and offices all around the world. On July 6, 2017, B&R became a business unit of the ABB Group. As a global leader in industrial automation, B&R combines state-of-the-art technology with advanced engineering to provide customers in virtually every industry with complete solutions for machine and factory automation, motion control, HMI and integrated safety technology. With Industrial IoT communication standards like OPC UA, POWERLINK and openSAFETY as well as the powerful Automation Studio software development environment, B&R is constantly redefining the future of automation engineering. The innovative spirit that keeps B&R at the forefront of industrial automation is driven by a commitment to simplifying processes and exceeding customer expectation

The REFLEKT ONE platform enables enterprise to create industrial AR applications using existing CAD data with zero special programming needed.

LONDON, U.K. — 05.10.18 — Based on its recent analysis of the European enterprise Augmented Reality (AR) market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes RE’FLEKT with the 2018 European Product Leadership Award for its remarkable AR platform, REFLEKT ONE. This cutting-edge Augmented Reality platform transforms printed manuals into visual guides by re-using existing CAD data and content. For enterprise, this has proven to reduce maintenance and repair time by 30 percent due to the increased efficiency offered by AR manuals. Frost & Sullivan recognizes the countless REFLEKT ONE applications in operation at global industry leaders such as Bosch, Daimler, Leybold and more as a major impact for the daily use of Augmented Reality.

“Employing affordable and scalable Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) business solutions, RE’FLEKT’s groundbreaking, human-centric ecosystem allows various industries to leverage their knowledge to create customized AR and MR applications,” said industry analyst, Srividhya Murali. “These applications guide technicians through inspection procedures while simultaneously supporting real-time data collection for automated inspection report creation. Furthermore, they simplify repair procedures and significantly reduce errors in service operations.”

“A number of major global players, such as Daimler, have already deployed huge AR projects with our technology. This award confirms the years of dedicated development matches the expectations and success we have seen in the industrial markets,” comments Wolfgang Stelzle, RE’FLEKT CEO and founder. “To date, these cases are the largest enterprise AR cases in operation globally. We are proud that our solution is not only ready for mass adoption but are already improving the modern workplace with scalable results across expanding networks.” processes. To work for an industry leader that accelerates these work-flows with outstanding technology, and are able to support it with proven success, is extremely exciting.” Explains Manolo A. Blanco RE’FLEKT VP Americas Sales.

REFLEKT ONE employs advanced real-object recognition to connect digital content to real-world objects. The company’s collaborations with various global giants such as Audi, BASF, BMW, Bosch, Eon, Hyperloop, Hyundai, and Thyssen Krupp have greatly supported its delivery of bestin-class, tailored solutions and provision of sustainable customer value.

“With three global offices, RE’FLEKT is looking to expand further and make additional improvements to the features and functionality of its solutions. It continues to build its brand equity through strategic communications with partners, investors, and customers all over the
world, demonstrating its superior solutions and product benefits,” noted Srividhya Murali. “Overall, its innovation and customer centricity have strengthened its global brand and positioned it as a successful innovator in the enterprise AR market.”

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to a company that has developed a pioneering technology that not only enhances current products but also enables the development of new  products and applications. The award recognizes the high market acceptance potential of the recipient’s technology.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

ABOUT THE RE’FLEKT ENTERPRISE AR SUITE

RE’FLEKT’s Enterprise AR Suite provides a powerful content creation platform and a remote expert solution to empower workers with flexible and customizable smart instructions on mobile devices and smart glasses - for increased efficiency and reduced errors. The content creation platform integrates into existing enterprise software and enables companies to easily convert existing CAD data and media content into Mixed Reality applications for maintenance, training and operations. The Remote Expert tool connects workers to
immediate Augmented Reality support with dedicated experts in one simple click.

ABOUT RE’FLEKT

RE’FLEKT is a Munich based technology company that enables any business or industry to create their own in-house Augmented and Mixed Reality applications. By making AR and MR affordable and scalable for business, RE’FLEKT’s ground-breaking human-centred platforms empower anyone to simply infuse their industry knowledge into customized AR and MR solutions. With clients including Audi, BASF, BMW, Bosch, Eon, Hyperloop, Hyundai, Leybold, Porsche, Seepex and Thyssen Krupp, the international team delivers technology solutions to a variety of leading global markets. Since its founding in 2012, RE’FLEKT has grown to a team of over 60 employees in Munich, Dusseldorf and San Francisco and and is recommended by leading analysts including ABI
Research and Gartner (Gartner Cool Vendor).

ABOUT FROST & SULLIVAN
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants. For more than 50 years,
we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. 

Market share gain, innovative Blockchain-based traceability platform and advancements in supply chain data-sharing solutions highlight2018 achievements.

Paris, France & East Windsor, NJ USA – Adents, a leading serialization and track & trace solutions provider announced several notable accomplishmentsat the end of Q3. As a direct result of this, the company reported a 280% increase in the EMEA, along with an impressive 350% increase in North America. Key milestones include: 

•Adents gained market share by winning more than 50 business competitions and gaining new Big Pharma customers.

•our pharmaceuticals customers (CMO, Big Pharma Companies) agreed to deploy more than 300Adents Prodigi connectors that can be linked to all main Level-4 solutions of the market.

•Adents is very well positioned regarding the Verification Router Service (VRS) project development for the US market. The company is very active in the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) working group, which is also leading the VRS specifications program. Four of the five top wholesalers in the US market are currently testing Adents’ VRS solution.

•Adents has introduced Adents DispaX, a new mobile application developed for pharmaceutical warehouses, wholesalers, distributors and dispensers (such as pharmacies and hospitals) for improved traceability throughout the supply chain.

•Adents collaborated with Microsoft to develop and release Adents NovaTrack, a high-end blockchain-based track and trace platform which was designed to easily provide a standard solution to secure and analyze transactions among any local or global supply chain.

•Furthering its position as market leader, Adents recently collaborated with Pharma key players to launch the Adents Serialization Innovation Summits,which were held in both Europe and the US.  

•Adents continues to solidify its relationships with its main technology partners Siemens and Microsoft with a deeper technical integration and new business development approach.

“I am thrilled to share Adents’ Q3 performance. We’ve exceeded our objectives for both  new customers and product launches, capped by the release of our Blockchain-based Track and Trace Platform, Adents NovaTrack,” said Christophe Devins, CEO and Founder.
“We want our customers to have access to an Adents solution wherever they are and have made strides to increase our customer portfolio within our major markets,” continued Devins.

# # #
About Adents

Adents is the leading provider of end to end traceability solutions to secure local and global supply chains. Adents provides the only integrated serialization solution covering all track and Trace needs, seamlessly.  

•Adents Seriza, a line and site level serialization for manufacturing sites, has been selected by Siemens for its customers. 

•Adents Prodigi, a cloud solution jointly developed with Microsoft and powered by Azure technologies, allows for secure data exchange and leverages the power of serialization data.

Beyond serialization, Adents NovaTrack is a high-end blockchain-based track and trace solution co-developed with Microsoft which provides a standardize platform to secure and analyze transactions among any industry supply chain.

Adents operates globally, with offices in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Milestone doubles digital capacity  at Western Canada’s largest label manufacturer

Edmonton, AB, Canada – Jet Label & Packaging, Western Canada’s largest producer of labels and printed tape for a broad range of industries, will become the first label manufacturer in Canada to install anHP Indigo 8000 Digital Press. Scheduled to begin operating in mid-October, the addition doublesJet Label’s digital capacity and allows it to print longer digital runs. 

Jet Label has been printing at full capacity – 24 hours a day, five days per week – on its two HP Indigo WS6600 digital presses.The company’s digital job orders have increased, as have their typicalrun length, leading to the decision to expand and enhance its digital printing capacity. 

The new HP Indigo 8000 is also part of a broader digital strategy: At its Edmonton facility, Jet Labelwill be dedicating a special “digital wing” to accommodate its four HP Indigo engines,as well as two inkjet solutions for very short runs. The departmentalization, which will be complete following light renovation work, will make Jet’s digital capabilities even more effective and efficient. 

“This was more than an aspirational purchase – the demand is already there, and we’re simply meeting it with supply to spare,“ said Darrell Friesen, President & CEO of Jet Label &Packaging Ltd. “The new press, as well as creating a standalone digital department, allows us to better meet today’s needs and handle continued anticipated growth.”

The new press’ exemplary speed will factor heavily into Jet Label’s ability to meet growing demand: Currently, more than half of Jet Label’s digital jobs surpass 30,000 linear feet. The HP Indigo 8000 can print up to 262 linear feet per minute – about double the pace of an HP Indigo WS6800 – to handle even the longest and most demanding jobs.Jet Label also operates 12 conventional flexographic presses.

Incorporating the new HP Indigo 8000 also aligns with Jet Label’s history of early technology adoption. Back in 2012, the company was the first in Canada to purchase and operate the HP Indigo WS6600 Digital Press. The latest news furthers Jet’s reputation as a trendsetter. 

Friesen also noted that the run-to-run color consistency delivered by HP Indigo printers is key to maintaining the tight quality standards required by Jet Label’s diverse set of customers. “Quality and expedience arealways ourtop two concerns. In addition to superb color matching and vibrance, HP Indigosalso provide high-res-capable graphics and easy versioning, both of which are increasinglyin demand.” 

The addition of the HP Indigo 8000 also helps Jet Label keep its promise to deliver orders within four business days, a key company value and differentiator for serving the fast-paced Western Canadian food industry – especially in the meat sector.

# # # 

About Jet Label & Packaging Ltd. 

With manufacturing facilities in Edmonton and Vancouver, Jet Label produces labels and printed tape efficiently and cost-effectively for a diverse portfolio of customers, including grocery stores such as Safeway and Sobeys, international forest product companies such as Canfor and West Fraser, consumer product companies such as Bee Maid Honey and Arctic Chiller, industrial application companies such as Acklands Grainger, Gregg Distributors, and All Weather Windows.

Jet Label also supplies parking and boarding passes and baggage tags to the Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton International Airports. The Edmonton Police Service has also been a long standing customer.  In addition to Edmonton and Vancouver, Jet has sales and distribution operations in Calgary, Prince George, Kelowna, Surrey, Saskatoon and Winnipeg.

The Happy Cup project is all about sustainability. After all, the event drinking cups can be returned to the retailer afterwards for reuse. An innovative concept like this requires innovative production, including a Reverse IML label from Verstraete In Mould Labels that offers a wide range of decorative and functional possibilities.

Cup sharing thanks to the Reverse IML label

The Happy Cup Company is focusing fully in Russia on what we like to call cup sharing: cups that are used during a concert, sporting event or festival do not end up in a waste dump, but are returned to the retailer for reuse. To make this possible, the product must be of sufficient quality and durability. That is part of the reason why The Happy Cup Company opted for a Reverse IML label, which is printed on the back of transparent film and meets all the requirements established. The drinking cup is guaranteed, for example, to be dishwasher-proof and scratch-resistant - important properties for reusable cups.

Eco-friendly and recyclable

“Environmental friendliness is key to this project,” says Svetlana Achueva, general manager of The Happy Cup Company. “Our cups can be reused up to 200 times. Consumers often don’t return the cup to the collection point at the event, but take it home to use there - which is just as valuable. And when the products ultimately reach the end of their life cycle, they’re fully recyclable.”

Continuous ‘wow factor’

To convince consumers to take home their cup as a souvenir, the look & feel of the cups must be appealing and attractive. In other words, there has to be a ‘wow factor’. This is also why the durable Reverse IML label was chosen. To illustrate all the advantages, the Happy Cups were introduced at the International Travel & Tourist Exhibition (MITT) in Moscow in 2017 as business cards for partner Kamchatintour, featuring fantastic nature images. Wow factor guaranteed! “Apart from decorative added value, it is a cost-efficient product because production and decoration take place in a single step. The cup and the label are made out of one material, making it easy to recycle. Not only that, but the colors won’t fade, even after repeated washing. In other words, the effect keeps on going.”
Reverse IML for a sustainable future

“The Reverse IML label played an important role in the success of The Happy Cup for several reasons,” explains Mikhail Britcyn, Regional Sales Manager for Russia & CIS and Technical Support Engineer. “This innovative label offers a range of look & feel options, such as Soft Touch, Frosted Look and UltraGloss Look. After all, who doesn’t want their packaging to grab the attention of consumers?” Verstraete IML is a member of the New Plastics Economy initiative. This international sustainability project has brought together 60 major players to work together towards a circular economy for plastic packaging. NPEC is currently working on a system that will allow waste processing companies to automatically recognize and efficiently separate and recycle the different plastic waste flows they handle. “Verstraete IML makes every effort to support this initiative through IML innovations. Our innovative Reverse IML is a great example of a positive influence on the environment,” says Mikhail.

Future opportunities with Verstraete IML

The question now is why The Happy Cup Company decided to work together with Verstraete IML. Svetlana Achueva is categorical in her response. “The quality of their products is top notch. Also, the company has a wide range of IML labels, which enables us to take our cup sharing concept in different directions in the future. Thirdly, our experience was that Verstraete IML brainstorms with us and actively engages in our production processes to ensure the best possible result. We will with pleasure promote the company and its products to our colleagues in and outside of Russia!” 

Berlin, 27 September 2018. As part of its 2018 initiative to cut down on the use of single-use items where feasible, or to substitute them with more sustainable alternatives, the Parliament of the United Kingdom has rolled out a new range of bio-based, certified compostable catering items, such as coffee cups, soup containers and salad boxes in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

New waste bins will be installed to capture used compostable items. The waste will be sent to an organic recycling facility, which will create high quality compost from it.

The introduction of compostable products is one of several measures to be realised in the Houses by 2019. The first phase of the Parliament’s plan, for example, saw the introduction of re-usable coffee cups earlier this year. On top of that, plans to stop selling bottled water in the Parliament will come into effect in October.

’The UK Parliament is leading the way with its initiative, showing that certified compostable plastics have a role to play in our efforts to improve sustainability’, states Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of European Bioplastics. ’The concepts of prevention, re-use, single-use and sound waste management need to be optimally combined to make sustainability and circularity happen’.

The goal is that all employees better understand and live the company  motto “We put patients first”.

A ‘Patient Day’ for a global ‘Patient Culture’: promoting active learning around patients’ needs to all employees

On Friday, September 21st, Nemera’s French plants at La Verpillière and Le Tréport organized the first Nemera ‘Patient Day’, an internal event to increase employee awareness of patients’ needs and conditions.

More than 50 employees organized many different activities such as conferences, disease impact simulations, games and hospital visits.

Conference themes ranged from understanding asthma to the role of pharmacists in relation to patients to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Employees experienced many aspects of the lives and challenges faced by patients thanks to similations related to eye diseases, arthritis and tremors.

They also participated in healthcare-themed escape games, tried out the devices  manufactured by Nemera, experienced emergency injection procedure under stress or went out to visit the ophthalmological department at a neighbouring hospital.

The same event will also be organized in the German plant in Neuenburg on November 14th, World Diabetes Day.

Marc Hämel, Nemera’s CEO, was enthusiastic after the success of the event: “We are proud to put the patient at the core of everything we do and deliver innovative high quality devices that make it easier for patients to follow their treatment.” – he added -“It is very important for our employees to be engaged and exposed, not only to our products but also to the people who use them. This will contribute to achieving our vision: to become the most patient-centric drug delivery devices company.”

Nemera would also like to share its commitment to patients at tradeshows and conferences.

During the upcoming trade fairs to be attended by Nemera, the PDA conference in Orlando and CphI Worlwide in Madrid, the company will invite visitors to put themselves in the shoes of visually impaired patients with glasses simulating ocular diseases such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.”

Nemera
Nemera is a world leader in the design, development and manufacturing of drug delivery devices for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology & generics industries. Nemera’s services and products cover several key delivery routes: Inhalation (pMDIs, DPIs), Ophthalmic (multi-dose, preservative-free eyedroppers), Nasal, buccal, auricular (pumps, valves and actuators for sprays), Dermal and transdermal (airless & atmospheri dispensers), Parenteral (auto-injectors, pens, safety devices & implanters). Nemera always puts patients first, providing the most comprehensive range of devices in the industry, including off-the-shelf innovative systems, customized design development and contract manufacturing.

Wolfertschwenden, 28 September 2018 – As part of an official cer-emony, the Directors of MULTIVACHans-Joachim Boekstegers (CEO), Guido Spix (CTO and COO) and Christian Traumann (CFO) today turned the first spadeful of earth for the construction of a new building complex in Wolfertschwenden. It is intended primarily for the new Slicer Business Unit. The floor space of more than 17,000 square metres will also create 180 high-quality office workstations as well as conference and function rooms, which will be capable of being used very flexibly. The investment amounts to around 35 million euros. Completion is planned for 2020.

“The new building complex is designed as an Application Center for our Slicing Solutions Business Unit, which is now seeing very encouraging development in our new business sector. In future automated packaging lines will be commissioned here as well,” explains Hans-Joachim Boekstegers. “We have successively expanded our product range in re-cent years to include process equipment upstream and downstream of the packaging procedure. By founding the Slicer Business Unit, we have taken an important strategic step in the direction of 'Better Processing'.”

The production space on the ground floor of the new Building 16 will be around 7,500 square metres. Building 17 will house the new Slicer Ap-plication Center as well as a reception area and an additional company restaurant, which will extend over two floors. In addition to this, a total of 180 high-quality office workstations will be created on the third floor, while versatile conference and function rooms will be housed on the top floor.

In the Application Center the range of services on offer for slicers will be similar to those in the existing Training and Innovation Center (TIC), namely sample production and machine demonstrations as well as a wide range of training programs for the MULTIVAC slicers and slicer lines. “We have designed the Application Center in such a way, that our customers will find themselves in an environment, which reflects the real conditions in their own production sites,” says Hans-Joachim Boekstegers. “There our customers will be able to experience the complete process chain live: this will extend from the demonstration of the various slicers handling a wide range of products, through to the presentation of different loading solutions downstream of the slicer, and right up to the actual packaging procedure itself. It will be possible to carry out individual trials with customers' own products as well as testing the slicing solutions for feasibility, output, return on investment, give-away andother critical factors.”

A large number of guests took part in the ceremony, including Karl Fleschhut, Mayor of Wolfertschwenden. The MULTIVAC Group has ap-proximately 5,600 employees worldwide, with some 2,100 based at its headquarters in Wolfertschwenden. The production site in the Allgäu region of Germany currently comprises more than 72,000 square metres in total. In the early part of 2018 new production areas for the Traysealer Business Unit were completed, as well as additional office space for the Control Technology department, covering a total of around 4,000 square metres.

About MULTIVAC

MULTIVAC is one of the leading providers worldwide of packaging solu-tions for food products of all types, life science and healthcare products as well as industrial items. The MULTIVAC portfolio covers virtually all requirements of processors and producers in terms of pack design, out-put and resource efficiency. It comprises a wide range of packaging technologies as well as automation solutions, labellers and quality con-trol systems. The product range is rounded off with portioning and processing solutions upstream of the packaging procedure. Thanks to extensive expertise in packaging lines, all modules can be integrated into complete solutions. This means that MULTIVAC solutions guarantee a high level of operational and process reliability as well as efficiency. The MULTIVAC Group has approximately 5,600 employees worldwide, with some 2,100 based at its headquarters in Wolfertschwenden. With over 80 subsidiaries, the Group is represented on all continents. More than 1,000 sales advisors and service technicians throughout the world use their know-how and experience to the benefit of customers, and they ensure that all installed MULTIVAC machines are utilised to their maximum

Tube + Dispenser Solution Offers Unprecedented  Combination of Product Protection and User-friendliness 

Oberdiessbach, Switzerland –Neopac, a global provider of high-quality tube packaging for a broad array of industries and applications, will introduce a new eyecare solution at CPhI in Madrid, October 9-11. At Stand #2B42, the company debut its SteriDrop™ tube, which provides exemplary protection and delivery of preservative-free eyedrops.

Filled and sealed on sterile tube filling lines, the SteriDrop™ tube utilizes Neopac’s patented Polyfoil® technology, which previouslyhas been employed for housing eye creams and eye gels. Combined with an ophthalmic squeeze dispenser from partner Aptar Pharma, the packaging concept now proves highly conducive to protecting preservative-free eyedrops from microbiological contaminationbefore, during and after initial consumer use.SteriDrop™ tube can contain volumes up to 30ml, which can easily cover a three months’ supply of daily eye treatment. 

The SteriDrop™tube works as follows: The mechanical system releases a precisely measured drop when pressure is exerted on the tube, and prevents the liquid from flowing back into the tube – thereby guaranteeing a level of microbiological safety previously unattainable. As a result, the product remains sterile over the entire period of application even without preservatives. Meanwhile, the Polyfoil® tube’s exemplary barrier properties protect the product from light, air, water vapor diffusion and migration, further lending to critical content efficacy and overall product durability.  

Preservatives in eyecare formulations, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAC), can lead to side effects with chronic use, prompting a push toward preservative-free products. Microbiologically tested, SteriDrop™ tube amounts to a pharma-grade solution that addresses the resulting challenge of eyecare product protection and durability. The system comes with a wide selection of caps and flow rates to be customized according to the drop formulation.It also eliminates the need for preservatives and additives such as silver ions or surface coating, and secures a metal-free product pathway for dispensing. 

The slim,user-friendly SteriDrop™ tube sits comfortably in the user’s hand. Through the form-fitting sheath, the lateral weld is completely obscured, meaning the tube can be printed evenly all over with branding and instructions. Due to the special coating, the Polyfoil® tube retains its shape until the last drop. It also allows the drops to be dispensedpredictably, precisely and with little pressure applied to the tube. Additionally, the multi-dose system saves packaging and product compared to single dose packages.

“Our new SteriDrop™tubes offer an unprecedented combination of product protection and ease of use for eyedrop users,” said Martina Christiansen, Head of Sales and Marketing Pharma of Hoffmann Neopac. “More and more consumers are opting for preservative-free eyecare solutions, making product protection a premium asset. At CPhI, we look forward to showcasing how this new solution yields product protection, user-friendliness and, ultimately, an improved consumer experience.”
# # #

About Hoffmann Neopac
Hoffmann Neopac is a privately-owned company, headquartered in Thun, Switzerland. The company produces high-quality metal and plastic packaging in five locations: HOFFMANN tins in Thun and CMP tins in Holland; Polyfoil® and plastic tubes with NEOPAC in Switzerland and in Hungary. Its longstanding customers include internationally active pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer goods manufacturers in the European and North American markets. 

The company has recently taken a majority stake in 3D Technopack Ltd, from Mumbai, India, thereby securing its foothold in the Asian market. With the new production facility in the United States, the company employs around a thousand employees and has a capacity of 1.3 billion tubes. 

Confidence in goodmarket development and ambitious sustainability goals

The European tube market was particularly stable in the first half of 2018. The member companies of etma, the European tube manufacturers association, produced some 5.6 billion tubes during the six-month period. This figure is somewhat higher than the productionin the corresponding period of the previous year, but when the figures are adjusted to take the production of new member companies into account the industry as a whole matched equal the very good level of last year. 

Gregor Spengler, etma’s Secretary General, concludes that the half-year’s figures show the tube isheading along a path of success again in 2018and enjoying unbridled consumerpopularity. Furthermore,the prospects for the sector are definitely promising given that the order intake for aluminium, plastic and laminate tubes at the beginning of the second half of the year is regarded as being satisfactoryacross the board. Tube manufacturers are therefore looking forward optimistically to the final figures for 2018 and are hoping to at least repeat 2017’s excellent result.

In the first half of2018 there were light gains for laminate and plastic tubes, which was attributable primarily to buoyant demand from the cosmetics markets. The moderate decline in demand for aluminium tubes can be explained by the fact that some hair colouring products have been switched to laminate tubes. Overall, the tube is valued by consumers and manufacturers alike as a modern form of packaging that is abreast of the times and offers a wealth of practical and consumer-friendly functions and unique hygienic properties. 

The European tube industry is also well placed to meet future demands regarding sustainability. The discussion concerning the growing pollution of the seas by plastic waste in particular has led to numerous brand manufacturers and retailers worldwide adopting far-reaching voluntary commitments. According to these, only recyclable or reusable packaging will be used from 2025 onwards. In addition, the fraction of recycled material in plastic packaging shall be increased further. 

This is the reason why for some time European tube makers have been developing innovative solutions in cooperation with their clients in orderto further optimise the tubefrom a sustainability point of view and to make itan even more eco-friendly and resource-conserving packaging solution with the ambitious sustainability goals and legal requirements in mind.

Camarillo, CA – September 25, 2018  – Binder USA, LP, offers custom M8, M12 and 7/8" sensor cordsets to provide OEMs with the ideal cable length and connector type for virtually any application. Options include single-ended and double-ended versions with straight or right-angle connectors. A variety of cable types, colors, and lengths can be used in combination with M8, M12 and 7/8" male and female binder connectors. Labeling, DeviceNet, Ethernet and LED configurations are available. Customer-supplied cables with a sensor, proximity switch, or other product attached on one end can also be used.

Binder custom cordsets are manufactured in the USA to provide faster delivery to North American customers. The  minimum order quantity starts at 26 pieces with lead time as short as two weeks,depending on material available and quantities needed.

Highlights:
•M8, M12 and 7/8” connectors
•Single and double-ended
•Private labeling available with custom labels and packaging
•Molded connectors with IP67 protection when mated
•Manufactured in the USA
•Delivery in as few as two weeks

About Binder USA, LP
Binder USA, LP, is a subsidiary of Binder Group, a leading global manufacturer of circular connectors, custom cordsets, and LED lights. Binder USA products are used around the world in industrial environments for factory automation, process control, and medical technology applications. Defined by technical innovation and traditional values, the binder name is synonymous with the highest standards of quality and reliability. The company’s quality management system is ISO 9001 and 14001 certificated, but it is a solution-focused approach to customer applications and commitment to superior service that truly differentiates binder from the competition. 

Amcor announces today the appointment of Eric Roegner as President Amcor Rigid Plastics. Eric joins Amcor today and will succeed Mike Schmitt in this role in mid-November. Eric will be based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the United States.

Eric brings significant experience leading and growing large scale multi regional businesses, including 12 years of executive leadership roles with Arconic Inc., formerly known as Alcoa Inc.Arconic develops, engineers and makes materials and components for customers in theaerospace, automotive, commercial transportation, packaging and other industries. Most recently, Eric was Executive Vice President and Group President of the US$6 billion Arconic Engineered Products and Solutions business. Earlier in his career, Eric was a partner at McKinsey & Co.

Eric holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from Princeton University.

Mike Schmitt has led Amcor Rigid Plastics through a period of strong growth since his appointment in June 2011, significantly increasing profitability and successfully integrating several strategic acquisitions. Following the transition period, Mike will become Executive Vice President, Amcor Limited. In this role, Mike will continue to manage the Bericap North America joint venture, remain executive sponsor of certain Amcor global customer relationships and, importantly, support the integration of the previously announced Bemis acquisition to leverage his prior 25 years of flexible packaging experience.

Mike and Eric will report to Ron Delia, Amcor Chief Executive Officer, and serve on Amcor’s Global Management Team.

About Amcor
Amcor (ASX: AMC; www.amcor.com) is a global leader in developing and producing high-quality, responsible packaging for a variety of food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical-device, home and personal care and other products. Amcor works with leading companies around the world to protect their products and the people who rely on them, differentiate brands, and improve supply chains, through a broad range of flexible packaging, rigid containers, specialty cartons, closures and services. The company’s 33,000 people generate more than US$9 billion in sales from operations that span some 200 locations in more than 40 countries.

Madison, Wis. – Amcor, a global leader in high-quality flexible packaging solutions, has announced plans to invest more than $25 million to upgrade its Madison facilities starting in 2018 and into 2019 to expand capacity, improve quality and reduce waste while updating technology.

The planned investment includes the acquisition of new machinery and updates to existing infrastructure to enable expanded service offerings for customers in the medical, pharmaceutical, food and home/personal care markets.

To mark the start of the expansion, the company’s Madison Plant will host a ground-breaking ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 12:30 p.m. Among dignitaries on hand to mark the start of the expansion project and attendant investment will be Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, and Amcor Flexibles Americas President Tom Cochran.

“We are excited and proud to be growing in Wisconsin for our customers in North America, and to be investing in support of our winning teams and products,” said Amcor’s Mr. Cochran.

Amcor and Neenah-based Bemis announced in early August an agreement for Amcor to acquire Bemis and combine the two companies. Bemis is more than 4,500 employees in Wisconsin.

According to Amcor Flexibles Madison General Manager Timm Goodmanson, the expansion is expected to result in a close to 50 percent increase in employment at the plant.

In addition, Mr. Goodmanson said the project is also expected to bring more than 150 construction jobs to Madison spread across general contractors, subcontractors, and local and Wisconsin-based suppliers.

To fill more than 20 immediate openings, Amcor Flexibles Madison will host a job fair at the plant on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Current needs include both entry-level and highly skilled manufacturing positions. The plant is located at 4101 Lien Rd. in Madison.

“We are looking for more great team members to help us achieve our tremendous potential,” said Mr. Goodmanson. “We’ve got a great workforce, made up of people who are committed to safety, believe in delivering excellence for our customers and have real opportunities to grow at Amcor.”

As part of its commitment to the Madison community, Amcor partners with local organizations, such as the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin to foster local economic growth and provide training, development and good manufacturing opportunities for residents.

About Amcor
Amcor (ASX: AMC; www.amcor.com) is a global leader in developing and producing high-quality, responsible packaging for a variety of food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical-device, home- and personal-care, and other products. Amcor works with leading companies around the world to protect their products and the people who rely on them, differentiate brands, and improve supply chains through a broad range of flexible packaging, rigid containers, specialty cartons, closures, and services. The company’s more than 33,000 people generate more than US$9 billion in sales from operations that span about 200 locations in 40-plus countries.

Zurich - Collaborations with the makers of Nature's Promise hand soap and the confectionary brand Mentos resulted in Amcor winning two honours in the 2018 Dow Awards for Packaging Innovation.

Amcor's LiquiForm® technology applied to the Nature's Promise product was a Diamond Finalist, impressing judges by reducing supply chain costs, improving packaging consistency and lowering the carbon effects associated with filling and packaging. The company also received a Silver Award honour for Amcor's easy-opening, flexible PushPop® pouch for Mentos.

LiquiForm uses the product being packaged instead of compressed air to simultaneously form and fill containers. For the Nature's Promise 12-ounce polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container, the hand soap forms its own rigid bottle on a proprietary Amcor machine.

"Our packaging has exceptional ability to protect all kinds of products and the people who use them in a way that's efficient and better for the environment," said Ashish Saxena, Vice President and General Manager of Amcor 360.

Mr. Saxena said that combining forming and filling eliminates costs associated with equipment and energy used in traditional blow-molding processes, as well as those associated with handling, transporting and warehousing empty containers.

"Amcor's LiquiForm technology helps customers optimise package design, reconfigure supply chains and streamline production," he said. "Customers can increase profitability and achieve sustainability gains, and that's good for business and for the environment."

PushPop® pouch for Mentos
Amcor and Perfetti Van Melle, the brand owner of Mentos, share a passion for innovation, according to James Davidson, Director of Commercial Excellence for Amcor Flexibles Americas.

"The new pocket-friendly Mentos pack features a Velcro-brand Press-Lok closure, a proprietary hook-to-hook technology made especially for flexible packaging," said Mr. Davidson. "The pouch fits neatly into any pocket or handbag, and the closure keeps the gum stay sealed and fresh."

Dow 2018 30th Awards for Packaging Innovation is an international, independently judged competition that honours innovations in packaging design, materials, technology and processes. In recent years, Amcor has earned awards from the competition for several packaging solutions, including for Vento™ coffee, Vitaminwater®, Method detergent bottles and, in partnership with Crown Holdings Inc., Peelfit™ cans.

"Dow received hundreds of very strong submissions that collectively demonstrate a deep global commitment to serving consumer needs and addressing worldwide challenges," said Diego Donoso, business president for Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics.

PushPop®: Read more information on PushPop here.
LiquiForm®: Read more about Liquiform here.

About Amcor
Amcor (ASX: AMC; www.amcor.com) is a global leader in developing and producing high-quality, responsible packaging for a variety of food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical-device, home- and personal-care, and other products. Amcor works with leading companies around the world to protect their products and the people who rely on them, differentiate brands, and improve supply chains through a broad range of flexible packaging, rigid containers, specialty cartons, closures, and services. The company's more than 33,000 people generate more than US$9 billion in sales from operations that span about 200 locations in 40-plus countries.

Premium metallic print effect for primary carton packages available from company operation in Mexico.

A unique printing technology that creates folding cartons with a premium look is now available to consumer brands doing business in Latin America.

In response to increasing demand, Amcor has installed its patent-pending "Sunshine" process at the company’s plant in Nuevo Leon, Mexico – the first Latin America site with the technology and 13th for Amcor worldwide.

“More and more companies and consumers want packaging that is highly attractive and with reduced environmental footprint,” said Patrick Dedoyard, vice president and general manager of Amcor’s Specialty Cartons business, Americas.

The ‘Sunshine’ print effect generates a shiny look on carton packaging without metalized paper board or the application of foil.

The technology is also cost effective and has great design flexibility.

Since its commercialization in 2014, Amcor has produced more than 8 billion packages with the Sunshine enhancement. The technology uses in-line application of a bright silver coating over an ultraviolet or electron-beam primer. The process delivers a highly reflecting metallic effect that is an economical alternative to foil stamping or laminated metallized board.

Spot application and the ability to overprint on Sunshine enable a wide range of design possibilities for folding cartons. The technology also simplifies the supply chain and improves packing-line performance versus laminated boards.

Sunshine is also available at Amcor sites in the United States, Switzerland, Poland, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Indonesia, and South Korea.

Customers can find out more about Sunshine and Amcor’s speciality cartons by emailing Strategic Marketing Director Yi Jiang: yi.jiang@amcor.com

Notes
According to ASSET Lifecycle assessment, the Sunshine printing effect significantly decreases waste and greenhouse gas emissions when compared with lamented metallized board. Sunshine printed on white board reduces the overall carbon footprint by 40 percent by using standard board and removing the metallization stage, which also reduces transportation costs, fossil fuel consumption, and emissions.

About Amcor
Amcor (ASX: AMC; www.amcor.com) is a global leader in developing and producing high-quality, responsible packaging for a variety of food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical-device, home- and personal-care, and other products. Amcor works with leading companies around the world to protect their products and the people who rely on them, differentiate brands, and improve supply chains through a broad range of flexible packaging, rigid containers, specialty cartons, closures, and services. The company's more than 33,000 people generate more than US$9 billion in sales from operations that span about 200 locations in 40-plus countries.

Amcor Specialty Carton’s Mexican plant is located in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon with 300 employees. Since it was acquired by Amcor in 2012, the site has more than doubled capacity with investment in technology to support growth in the region. The plant does gravure and offset printing with versatile finishing processes including hot foil stamping, off line die-cutting, and back printing, and has in-house cylinder engraving capability.

New Delhi, 25th Sep 2018– Cosmo Films, a global leader in speciality films for flexible packaging, lamination and labeling applications as well as synthetic paper has announced installation of a new solvent less lamination machine at its Karjan plant, Vadodara.

The new machine has been commissioned at company’s existing facility at Karjan, near Vadodara, India which already houses BOPP lines, extrusion coating & chemical coating lines and a metalizer .The installed machine is a Nordmeccanica product which is 1.8 meter wide and can run upto 450m/min speed. The machine can produce multilayer film laminates in any thickness and go as thick as 450 microns. The laminate could be a combination of different materials such as PP, PET, PE, Nylon, Aluminium foil or Paper. A dedicated sheet cutter of the same width has also been installed next to the machine to process its output.

As the machine can laminate structures as thick as 450 microns, it would help the company serve customers requiring thick film laminates. Some of the applications areas of thick laminates include graphic arts, baggage tags, retort & stand-up pouches, high-strength hanging labels, aseptic boxes & luncheon trays, composites for construction & auto-segment etc. The machine could also help company with the R&D testing during new product development process.

Speaking on the development Mr. Pankaj Poddar, CEO Cosmo Films said, “Solvent less lamination machine is the latest addition to our R&D portfolio; also available for our customers having thick lamination needs. Moreover, solvent less lamination being an eco-friendly process with no emissions and low energy demands would also help us with our sustainability goals.”

About Solvent less Lamination process

As the name indicates the adhesives used in the lamination process do not contain solvents. Solvent less adhesive generally used is a specific type of adhesive composed by two components reacting with each other and consequently not requiring drying. The two components of the adhesives are mixed first and then applied to the film by roll coating method. Then these two components react with each other on the film web itself without any heat or radiation. The ratio of these components is important for polymerization which consequently decides rate of curing and bond strength.  Low viscosity of these two components allows easy coating on the film. Initially the adhesive lends a very low green bond but within a span of 24 hours the adhesive gets cured and develops strength.

About Cosmo Films Limited

Established in 1981, Cosmo Films is a global leader in speciality films used for packaging, laminating and labeling applications. Its films offerings include bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films, cast polypropylene (CPP) films and soon to be offered bi-axially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET) films. Today, the company is the largest exporter of BOPP films from India and also the largest producer of thermal laminating films in the world with plant cum distribution centres in the U.S, Korea & Japan. We also have global channel partners in more than 70 countries which helps us service our valued customers across the globe.

On completion of the acquisition of Treofan Americas, CCL Industries announced that the company would immediately transition to trade under the name of Innovia Films.  At this time the decision was also taken to rebrand Innovia Films as a whole.  The purpose is to unify the new larger company which has a broader global footprint and to align the branding closer to the CCL corporate styling.

The challenge was to find a logo that allowed Innovia Films to remain independent, while creating something that was modern, global and distinctive.

Günther Birkner, President, CCL Label Food & Beverage WW, HC Specialty WW and Innovia Films states “We are very happy with the new design.  Working together with the agency they have managed to capture the essence of what Innovia Films does (flexible films) while transitioning the brand closer to CCL’s.  This achieves the stated objectives and gives the larger films segment the opportunity to harmonize its global identity under a refreshed contemporary brand. “

Innovia Films will begin the transition to the new logo with immediate effect with its inaugural launch at Labelexpo Americas, Hall A, booth 1221.